Rural/Farming / Public News Service

Scientists said the E. coli bacteria can grow in the intestines of cattle and other ruminating animals without causing the animal any symptoms. When they defecate, the fecal matter is contaminated with the toxic organism. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Experts: Poor farming practices cause most toxic E. coli outbreaks

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration An…

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported New Hampshire is home to more than 3,000 U.S. Postal Service workers, who earn an average hourly wage of $27.08. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

The Postmaster General has proposed reduced delivery days and other changes starting next year which could particularly affect rural New Hampshire…

The total acreage of farm and ranch land in Arizona for 2022 was 25,525,087, down 2.3% from five years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

AZ farmers could benefit from feds taking on 'corporate' agriculture

As Arizona farmers have grappled with inflation, falling crop prices and the effects of a changing climate, the incoming Trump administration could …

Congress's recent one-year extension of the Farm Bill allocates $20 billion for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic aid to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

New administration could help farmers by addressing meat industry monopolies

As inflation and falling crop prices continue to affect Virginia farmers, their advocates said the incoming Trump administration could take steps to …

Iowa is the nation's number one hog producer, which is a huge economic driver for the state, but the industry also produces more than 100 billion pounds of manure every year. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 30, 2024

Cancer rates in Iowa mirror rising rate of manure pollution

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration A …

Congress's latest one-year Farm Bill extension provides $20 billion in funding for federal farm programs and $10 billion in direct economic relief to farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, December 30, 2024

Trump administration could tackle corporate food system, help farmers

As inflation and falling crop prices continue to affect farmers, their advocates say the incoming Trump administration could take steps to reform the …

Trace Company's report says Indiana farms lose nearly $30 million, or $552 per farm every year from natural disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 30, 2024

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

Consumers are unhappy with increasing food prices and blame inflation. In reality, natural disasters have a direct link to grocery costs, and no end …

Organic farmers often earn more for their products and pay less to grow them. (Tinashe Njaku/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 30, 2024

‘Historic’ support available for OR farmers going organic

New funding is making it easier than ever for Oregon farmers to become certified organic. To achieve certification, farmers must go three years …

The Farm Bill extension is in effect through Sept. 30, 2025, and includes nearly $31 billion in economic and disaster aid for farmers. (Adobe Stock)<br />

For WI farmers, Farm Bill extension brings relief, uncertainty

Farmers in Wisconsin may be breathing a sigh of relief going into the new year with the farm bill extension but it may be temporary, as experts said …

U.S. Census of Agriculture figures from 2022 showed Illinois had almost 72,000 farms and ranches, down 2% from 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Watchful IL farmers await proposed Trump tariffs

A new president will move into the White House in less than a month and Illinois farmers are questioning whether Donald Trump's tough talk on tariffs …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture spends about $38 billion a year on subsidies and other aid to farmers and ranchers to reduce the cost of meat and other products at the grocery store. (Adobe Stock)

Government subsidies make meat cost less, but with hidden expenses

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Many federal conservation programs received a boost in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, one of the largest investments in climate Congress has made in the nation's history. (Adobe Stock)

Southwest WI farmer unfazed by weather due to conservation practices

A diverse group of Southwest Wisconsin farmers are using federally funded conservation programs to help improve their farms' soil health and resilienc…

Space for the Farmers Market, which includes an incubator commercial kitchen, will be located in Logansport, Ind. (Cass County Community Foundation)

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

Communities around the state will be watching the progress of a unique project coming up for the north-central Indiana town of Logansport. The Cass …

Researchers say microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size. (James Thew/Adobe Stock)

Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of

By Julieta Cardenas for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

As they look for long-term support through the Farm Bill, American farmers said they are facing many evolving obstacles, including climate-change threats and increased global competition for exports. (Adobe Stock)

Farmers no longer feeling Farm Bill anguish, but relief might be fleeting

Farmers in Nebraska and across the nation might not be in panic mode anymore thanks to another extension of the Farm Bill but they still want Congress…

Ag policy experts wonder if a second Trump administration will create a more regulatory-friendly environment for larger livestock operations and commodity farmers. They say growing a lot of corn, for example, might appear good, but it fuels feed for concentrated animal feeding operations. (Adobe Stock)

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

From declining commodity prices to unpredictable weather, American farmers are at a crossroads - especially smaller operations. And they're …

New Hampshire's roughly 4,000 farms support more than 20,000 jobs and provide an economic value of $1.2 billion dollars through direct product sales, labor and agritourism, according to the University of New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

NH farmers brace for Trump tariffs as farm income declines

New Hampshire's farming community is bracing for potential fallout from President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. Agricultural goods were a …

Colorado's San Luis Valley produces two billion pounds of potatoes a year, the second largest yield in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado’s new tool for preserving aquifers for farming

By Jennifer Oldham for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

Dairy digesters remove methane from liquified animal waste. The gas can then be used to generate power. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

Three environmental nonprofits filed suit Wednesday against the California Air Resources Board to oppose the expansion of a program allowing oil and g…

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has announced $3.6 million in more than 100 grant awards through several programs, including the Cranberry Bog Renovation Grant Program, which aims to improve bog design and reduce negative environmental impacts from cranberry production. (Adobe Stock)

MA state grants boost rural economies, climate resilience

Rural communities across Massachusetts are benefiting from state grants aimed at strengthening the local food supply and building climate resilience…

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources requires livestock producers to file a manure management plan for the livestock waste they apply to their fields as fertilizer. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa trains CAFO operators on manure application

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is training operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations on the safest ways to apply manure to their f…

As winter takes hold, Minnesota farmers are getting repairs done on equipment and doing other tasks ahead of the next planting season. Some are also hoping their winter cover crops aid next year's growing with better soil and different types of harvest to sell. (Adobe Stock)

Potential moneymaker, water protector sits on MN's frozen farm fields

Clean drinking water doesn't just come from replacing lead pipes. Solutions also rest on Minnesota's farm fields, and this time of year, some rural …

South Dakota farms produced more than $3.8 billion of corn in 2023, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. A trade war renewed by the incoming Trump administration could harm the state's agricultural producers, according to policy analysts. (Adobe Stock)

Trump tariffs could hit farmers during a rough patch

As President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in next month, the farming community wonders if he'll follow through on tariff threats. One expert says for …

Agriculture contributes $42 billion to Oregon's economy each year, while the average farmworker earns less than $25,000 a year. (Alessandro Biascioli/Adobe Stock)

Breaking ground on affordable housing for OR farmworkers

Construction will begin early next year on new affordable housing dedicated to low-income Oregon farmworkers. This project is the latest by the …

In July, Florida removed certain employment restrictions for minors 16 and 17 years of age. (Adobe Stock)

Child labor in agriculture: A growing concern in Florida

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

Corporate farms, including family-owned corporations, account for about 5% of U.S. farms and manage about 11% of the nation's farmland. (ana/Adobe Stock)

MO farmers work to stop 'Farm Act' from becoming law

A Missouri-based farm group is fighting to keep the proposed "FARM Act" from becoming law, warning it would benefit large corporate farms at the …

Pennsylvania has more than 49,000 farms, generating nearly $10 billion in agricultural product sales. (Thanaporn/Adobe Stock)

Research shows valuable impact of getting 'back to nature' practices on PA farms

A new study suggested getting "back to nature" in farming could help ward off the biggest effects of climate change. As Pennsylvania faces …

Colorado's Community Food Grants are expected to create economic benefits for local economies, much like SNAP benefits that add $1.50 for every dollar invested. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly 90 food banks, pantries across Colorado get $2,611,500

Colorado is distributing over $2.6 million to food banks and pantries to ensure that the state's one in seven children facing hunger can access nutrit…

Iowa is the nation's top hog producer, with a population of 23.4 million pigs. This means that for every Iowan, there are 7.3 pigs. Hogs are routinely raised in large confinements, which are known to pollute air and groundwater. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa livestock producers increase antibiotic use

Livestock being raised with antibiotics is on the rise in Iowa, the nation's number one hog producer. Doctors say the trend increases the risk of …

Currently, over 2,300 biogas-producing sites operate across the United States. <br />(Олександр Луценко/Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

MI farms making manure matter by turning it into clean energy

From cow waste to clean energy, Michigan will soon have a couple of new state-backed digesters to get the job done. Last Tuesday, the Michigan …

Virginia is one of the top 10 states in the nation for Christmas tree production. (jannoon028/Freepik)

Behind the Joy: Untold labor of Christmas tree production

As families across the country prepare to celebrate the holiday season, the joy of decorating a Christmas tree is a time-honored tradition. But the …

Seven in 10 Utah residents say protecting water, air, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities on public lands is more important than maximizing the amount of land available for drilling and mining. (Galatas)

Utah lawsuit could affect public lands in Colorado, nation

As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a lawsuit brought by Utah officials, asking the court to transfer more than 18 million acres of federal lands to …

During the June floods in eastern South Dakota this year, the river level at the Big Sioux gauge hit 44.98 feet, breaking the previous record high by 7.28 feet, according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center. (Adobe Stock)

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

Wetlands protect against floods, like those some in eastern South Dakota experienced this June and researchers warned the growing presence of factory …

In October, the United States allocated $72 million toward avian flu vaccines, aiming to strengthen national preparedness against potential outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

California expert sounds alarm on avian flu’s threat to humans, livestock

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

The Union of Concerned Scientists warns that several Midwestern states, including Minnesota, could lose $22 billion in flood mitigation benefits as industrial farm expansion threatens wetlands. (Freepik)

New research says Midwest is prime target for wetlands loss

Minnesota is credited for having strong wetland protections. But the research community warns the growing presence of factory farms in the Midwest …

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Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Wyoming News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabo…

A Farm Connection report predicts dwindling services provided by local governments in small towns that are losing population will discourage new residents from settling in rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

A report released by a Montana farm group says climate change is costing the state jobs and revenue, in addition to having a devastating long-term …

Republicans' concerns with Senator Stabenow's new farm bill likely stem from lobbying groups representing large-scale farmers who want fewer restrictions on their business practices.<br />(maksymowicz/Adobe Stock)

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

By Frida Garza for Grist.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service Col…

North Dakota is listed as a top 10 state for soybean production. Agriculture policy analysts say these types of crops would again suffer under a renewed trade war led by the incoming Trump administration. (Freepik)

Ag consultant: A Trump trade war would come at 'worst time' for farmers

As President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in next month, the farming community wonders if he'll follow through on tariff threats. One expert says for …

Antimicrobial consumption in farm animals is on the rise in the U.S., while declining in Europe by 44% from 2014 to 2021. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Antibiotic use in livestock, once in decline, is creeping back up

By Sophie Kevany for Sentient.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

Conventional farming methods often involve the use of herbicides and fungicides to suppress weeds and fungi. Tilling the soil, a common practice, disrupts vital fungal networks, creating a cycle of dependence on chemical inputs. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

Fungi help MS farmers unlock 'secrets' of healthy soil

By Grey Moran for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Mississippi News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture and provide good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

It is estimated Alabama row-crop farmers could lose more than $236 million this year, with prices for cotton, soybeans, corn, peanuts and wheat all …

A new study from the University of California-Santa Barbara says nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of chemical-intensive agriculture while providing good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms

A new study suggested getting "back to nature" in farming could help ward off the biggest impacts of climate change. As Georgia experiences more …

According to 2021 data, Nebraska was home to more than 1,700 concentrated animal feeding operations. (Freepik)

As candidates are sworn in, some will be reminded of factory farm health impacts

When newly elected candidates take office next month, they will hear from a range of constituents and special interest groups about a wide range of …

Agricultural researchers said farmers can now use technology to evaluate different crop zones and individually adjust how they irrigate and fertilize each area to improve their yield. (Adobe Stock/AI)

High tech brings efficiency but adds complexity to rural SC farming

By Jessica Kutz for The People Sentinel.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for South Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Ne…

A new report from the University of California-Santa Barbara argued nature-based agriculture can reduce the environmental footprint of fossil fuel-based, chemical-intensive agriculture while providing good jobs in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Growing sustainable agriculture by investing in skilled workforce

As Colorado experiences more frequent extreme weather events, prolonged drought and loss of biodiversity because of a changing climate, farmers and …

From Sept. 1, 2023, to Sept. 23, 2024, influencers with more than 16 million combined total followers and subscribers made 183 total posts sharing climate and meat misinformation, nabbing 23.555 million views and 1,048,902 shares and likes, according to Climate Action Against Disinformation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

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Rural/Farming

Experts: Poor farming practices cause most toxic E. coli outbreaks

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

AZ farmers could benefit from feds taking on 'corporate' agriculture

New administration could help farmers by addressing meat industry monopolies

Cancer rates in Iowa mirror rising rate of manure pollution

Trump administration could tackle corporate food system, help farmers

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

‘Historic’ support available for OR farmers going organic

For WI farmers, Farm Bill extension brings relief, uncertainty

Watchful IL farmers await proposed Trump tariffs

Government subsidies make meat cost less, but with hidden expenses

Southwest WI farmer unfazed by weather due to conservation practices

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of

Farmers no longer feeling Farm Bill anguish, but relief might be fleeting

A giant policy question mark lies before smaller, independent farms

NH farmers brace for Trump tariffs as farm income declines

Colorado’s new tool for preserving aquifers for farming

Environmental groups sue CA Air Resources Board over biogas credits

MA state grants boost rural economies, climate resilience

Iowa trains CAFO operators on manure application

Potential moneymaker, water protector sits on MN's frozen farm fields

Trump tariffs could hit farmers during a rough patch

Breaking ground on affordable housing for OR farmworkers

Child labor in agriculture: A growing concern in Florida

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

MO farmers work to stop 'Farm Act' from becoming law

Research shows valuable impact of getting 'back to nature' practices on PA farms

Nearly 90 food banks, pantries across Colorado get $2,611,500

Iowa livestock producers increase antibiotic use

MI farms making manure matter by turning it into clean energy

Behind the Joy: Untold labor of Christmas tree production

Utah lawsuit could affect public lands in Colorado, nation

Weak protections for SD wetlands could lead to more flood damage

California expert sounds alarm on avian flu’s threat to humans, livestock

New research says Midwest is prime target for wetlands loss

Elon Musk, Joe Rogan spread misinformation on agriculture

Montana tallies economic impact of climate change

Senate farm bill prioritizes climate, but faces defeat

Ag consultant: A Trump trade war would come at 'worst time' for farmers

Antibiotic use in livestock, once in decline, is creeping back up

Fungi help MS farmers unlock 'secrets' of healthy soil

Study: How AL farmers can cultivate resilience

Research shows value of getting 'back to nature' on GA farms

As candidates are sworn in, some will be reminded of factory farm health impacts

High tech brings efficiency but adds complexity to rural SC farming

Growing sustainable agriculture by investing in skilled workforce

Report: Right-wing influencers push meat, misinformation